Technical Paper
Finite Element Model Generator for Assessment and Optimization of Crankshaft Design
1991-11-01
912494
This paper describes the concept of model generator for structural assessment of crankshaft design, its application and methodology in the design optimisation of crankshaft. The model generator saves to a great extent the time required for iterative design process. It is developed on the ANSYS general purpose finite element programme and makes use of symmetry and repeatability of crankshaft geometry. This model generator software uses 12 parameters which include fillet radius, web thickness and overlap as design iteration parameters. Using these parametric studies of the crankshaft have been carried out. Two stage analysis has been used for computation of fillet stresses. In the first stage 3 dimensional coarse model is analysed to compute stresses and displacements. Next stage uses 3D zoomed model of the critical fillet zone. Zoomed model is refined to give maximum possible accuracy of computation using submodelling techniques.